I Walked Across That Stage Eight Months Pregnant and Got a Standing Ovation

Some people said I couldn’t do it all. Get my nursing degree, plan a wedding, carry a baby, and still graduate with honors. I didn’t hear them over the applause when I waddled across that stage today.

I Walked Across That Stage Eight Months Pregnant and Got a Standing Ovation

Four years of nursing school while pregnant wasn’t exactly the plan, but life doesn’t wait for your timeline to be convenient. Clinical rotations at seven months pregnant? Check. Finals at eight months? Double check. Walking across the Dean E. Smith Center stage with my baby bump leading the way? The most triumphant moment of my life so far.

My parents cried. Abuela Rosa cried. Marcus was sobbing so hard he could barely hold the camera steady - half his photos are blurry messes but I love them anyway. The crowd actually gave me a standing ovation when they called my name. Apparently a very pregnant nursing student graduating with honors is something to celebrate. Who knew?

Baby girl is due in six weeks, the wedding is in five months, and I start my first nursing job next month. Some days I wonder what we were thinking, but today? Today I know we can handle anything.